
                           FAT16/32 MAP VIEWER V1.5/7

                              by John Augustine

  FM (Fat Map) was written in Assembly for MS Dos systems (also "Runs" in
Windows 3.1/95/98).  FM is simple to use, and no "installation" is required.

  WINDOWS 3.1/95/98:

  No installation is required.  Simply copy "FM16.EXE" or "FM32.EXE" into a
directory (folder) of your choice (example: "UTILS").  Click on "Start"
(Windows 3.1, "File") and "Run".  Type (example): "\UTILS\FM32" and press
Enter or click "Ok" to launch FM.  Note: You can use the Dos "prompt" instead.

  PLEASE NOTE:

  A small donation will be greatly appreciated.  You will have access to
several special programs for "donors" (see "OTH-PGMS.TXT").

  Please read, "IMPROVE.TXT" (use "HELP.EXE") for improvement information.

  "MAP":

  A "map" is created by FM to "graphically" display basic information about
the FAT in your HD (hard disk/drive).  With FAT16 systems, two bytes (8 + 8 =
16 bits) represents a "cluster" (allocation unit).  With FAT32 systems, 4
bytes (8 x 4 = 32 bits).  Every two/four bytes is converted into a letter.
The letters are "P","0","E",or "B".  Also, the first 4/8 bytes of a FAT
contain system information, therefore, two "SS" are displayed at the
beginning.

  "P" Pointing to another cluster (part of a "chain").
  "E" End of a cluster chain that belongs to a file.  Often, only one cluster
      belongs to a file and it too will have "E".
  "0" Free/vacant cluster currently available for use.
  "B" Bad cluster.  There is one or more bad sectors involved (part of that
      cluster).  "SCANDISK" (surface scan) "marks" that cluster with a unique
      number which prevents access.
  "S" First 2 clusters of the FAT are system.  They have nothing to do with
      allocation.

  FM PURPOSE:

  With FM, you can view a FAT "map" directly (right from the HD or a FAT file
that was saved via "Sector Access" (see "OTH-PGMS.TXT").  Note:
"Sector Access" saves an exact copy of a FAT to a file.  FM converts it
into a "map" which makes it easier to understand.  It is easy to see (or find
("seek")) if you have any bad clusters ("B" (blinking) with red background).
It is easy to see where the "free" clusters ("0" with black background) are
located.  NOTE: The "Defrag" map does not show such detail.

  You can save the "map" image to a file (text format) for reference.  Later,
save another "map" of the same FAT, then use another program called "Double"
(see "OTH-PGMS.TXT") to view two "maps" at the same time and see the
differences ("Double" highlights differences).  Example: See what changes
occurred over time or after a "Defrag".

  GETTING STARTED:

  Windows users, see "WINDOWS 3.1/95/98" above.

  Type (without quotes) "FM16" or "FM32" and press Enter

  or

  Type "FM16 FAT16.DAT" and press Enter (sets a default file, example
"FAT16.DAT" to view).  "FAT16.DAT" represents the name of a FAT file saved via
"Sector Access".

  IMPORTANT NOTES:

  Do NOT use FM to view a "map" file (only a FAT file saved via "Sector
Access").  You can use any text file viewer/editor to view the "map" file
that you saved via FM.

  If you want to see (via "Double") what cluster/s are used by a new file/s
copied to your HD, or what clusters will be "free" after deleting a file/s,
first save the "map" (file) to another drive.  Next, copy the file/s to the HD
or delete the file/s.  Afterwards, save another "map" to that other drive.  Go
to that other drive and use "Double" to see the differences using both "maps"
(example: "MAP1.FAT" and "MAP2.FAT").  The reason you save the "map" file to
the other drive, it does not change the FAT in the current drive.

  If you save a "map" of the FAT from your HD, you can not use the "map" to
restore your FAT in the event it becomes corrupted.  "Sector Access" (see
"OTH-PGMS.TXT") is for that purpose (restore a corrupt FAT).

  MISC. NOTES:

  You can "toggle" the starting reference number for the "map" lines (64
clusters per line) to start with 1 instead of 0 (default).  Note: "0" will
indicate the actual cluster number where "1" will add a 1 offset.

  Saving "maps" to files is a good way of seeing (using "Double") how things
change over time.

  A "registered" version of FM16 and FM32 is available FREE to any "donor"
($5.00 or more) who request it.  This version enables the highlight feature so
you can see the clusters used by any file that you specify.

  CONCLUSION:

  A small donation will be greatly appreciated.  If it is $5.00 or more,
you will become a "donor".  Your name, etc. will be added to the "donors"
list.  As a "donor" (one time donation), you can select (ask for) one or more
programs to receive FREE such as "Tree Restore", etc.  See (use "HELP")
"OTH-PGMS.TXT" for information about other programs.  Please include your
e-mail address with your donation, and the name/s of the other program/s you
want (if any).  I will tell you in the email message about the attachment
(programs.zip) so you know it is safe to open.  As a "donor", you will be
entitled to receive all improved and new programs (at your request) developed
in the future (sent to you by e-mail).  As a "donor", you may request (from
time to time) the latest list of programs from which you can select to receive
FREE.  If you know another shareware author with a better offer, please let me
know.

  The donation will motivate me to develop more programs and make improvements
in existing programs (add new features).

  Comments or complaints are always welcomed via email.  If you use "snail
mail" and expect a reply, please include a S.A.S.E.

  If you are overseas, the local bank charges a $10.00 service fee for checks
outside of U.S. I recommend that you send U.S. cash instead.

  Donation can be a check, money order, or cash (put in foil for security).

                     John Augustine N3AOF
                     3129 Earl St.
                     Laureldale, Pa 19605

            E-Mail:  jaugust@bellatlantic.net

